Manchester City ready to make a move for Liverpool target in January

Manchester City are looking to increase their defence options and will compete with Liverpool in January for Virgil Van Dijk.

Pep Guardiola’s side are currently unbeaten and eight points clear at the top of the league. Manchester City are looking unstoppable at the moment but Pep Guardiola still wants to improve his squad.

Guardiola has confirmed that he is targeting a new defender in January. Virgil Van Dijk could be just what Man City are looking for. The Dutch centre-back has expressed his desire to join Liverpool but this would be difficult after what transpired in the summer.

The Reds were forced to apologise to Southampton for tapping up Van Dijk and they ended their interest in the player. Southampton have become something of a feeder club for Liverpool over the last three years. Five players – Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Rickie Lambert – have moved to Anfield from Southampton in the past three years. The Saints, understandably, do not want Van Dijk to become number six.

Southampton have the upper hand in this situation and could decide to sell Van Dijk to Man City, much to the despair of Liverpool.

Man City have flexed their financial muscles in the summer and could do so again in January to secure the services of the £60million-rated Dutch centre-back.

Guardiola wants to challenge in all competitions and after he lost John Stones for around six weeks, he is fully aware of the need for a big squad. Van Dijk would be a great option for Man City to have at their disposal.